Belton addresses local retired teachers group
DA John Belton
Third Judicial District Attorney John Belton addressed a group of retired educators in a virtual meeting of the Lincoln Parish Retired Educators (LPRE) on March 10. LPRE is an affiliate organization of the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association (LRTA).
Belton’s presentation covered a wide range of topics, including children and youth, education, mental health disorders, juvenile crime, substance abuse and economic prosperity.
Considering Belton’s long-time commitment to the education and spirituality of young people, members discovered he is a founding leader of the Boys and Girls Club of North Central Louisiana.
Among his top priorities as DA is a community mentoring program, “Teach One to Lead One.” This program offers hope to all students, including those at risk, to live out their lives based on excellence and integrity.
“Education is the key to our children’s future,” Belton said. “And we all, including retired educators, can participate in that future for our children.”
Before closing his remarks, Belton announced his plans to run for Louisiana Attorney General in 2023, should the opportunity present itself. If elected, Belton says one of the things he will do is create a youth department and focus on kids graduating from high school. “It’s a fact: the more productive citizens you have, the more businesses will locate here,” Belton said.
“When asked by a Shreveport woman why I wanted to run,” Belton continued, “my response was, I don’t just like what I do. I love what I do.”
He told LPRE members that he is committed to making a positive difference in the communities he serves.
Rick Burton, LPRE member and employee as Truancy Officer for the Ruston Office of District Attorney said, “I get to see John up close and personal. I respect him and admire the job he does as prosecuting attorney.”
When he is not promoting justice or removing bad guys from society, Belton is presenting seminars on diversity and inclusion or working cooperatively with educators, school administrators, clergy members and community organizations.
LPRE President Liz White conducted the meeting and welcomed eight new members: Carolyn Hicks Jones, Robert “Demp” Smith, Reneice Jackson, Brenda Lewis, Sharon Ford-Dunn, Patricia Cage-Bibbs, Rose Burton-Lewis and Mildred K. Hill.
In other business, White announced that a link for the online application for two $500 scholarships had been forwarded to all Lincoln Parish high school counselors for distribution to graduating seniors.
White also announced Gov. John Bel Edwards’ proclamation, declaring March 17 as Louisiana Retired Teachers Day.
Congratulations were expressed to Brenda Lewis, one of the new LPRE members and winner of the drawing for a $50 gift card.
LPRE is having its next monthly meeting at 2 p.m., April 14 via teleconference. The keynote speaker will be Les Guice, Louisiana Tech University President. Guice will give an overview of Louisiana Tech’s challenges and accomplishments even through the COVID-19 pandemic.
All retired educators and members of the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana (TRSL) are invited to join LPRE. For contact information, send email to: lrta.lpre@gmail.com.
